Reactor Operator

About Aalo Atomics

Aalo Atomics is pioneering a new era in clean energy with factory-fabricated microreactors designed to deliver affordable, scalable, and reliable nuclear power. Our mission is to make nuclear energy globally accessible, starting with the Aalo-1, a 10 MWe reactor leveraging cutting-edge safety, modularity, and efficiency. Based in Austin, TX, we're rapidly growing as we work to deploy the world's first fleet of advanced microreactors. Join us and help revolutionize energy for a sustainable future.

About the role

You will join Aalo Atomics' Idaho Falls team to help stand up plant operations for two programs: (1) Aalo-X, our experimental reactor at INL, and (2) Aalo-1, the commercial reactor within the Aalo Pod. You will help develop, validate, and execute normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures; operate from the control room and in the field; and support startup, testing, and steady-state operations in a regulated, safety-critical environment. This posting is single-banded: leveling and title (RO vs. SRO) will be set at offer based on demonstrated qualifications and experience.

What you'll do

Control room & field operations

• Monitor and control plant systems; respond to alarms; execute evolutions/manipulations per approved procedures using independent/peer checks and place-keeping.
• Perform rounds, system lineups, system status verifications, and logkeeping; ensure configuration control and turnover quality.
• Execute clearances/lockout-tagout and maintain strict procedure use/adherence.

Startup, testing & commissioning

• Support procedure validation, preoperational testing, initial criticality, power ascension, surveillance/operability testing, and transitions between operating modes.
• Participate in readiness activities and post-test reviews; document results and discrepancies with high rigor.

Procedures, conduct of operations & human performance

• Contribute to development and maintenance of Normal/Abnormal/Emergency Operating Procedures and alarm response procedures.
• Apply conduct-of-operations expectations, human performance tools, and conservative decision-making.
• Participate in drills (e.g., emergency response, casualty/abnormal events) and critique outcomes.

Work management & cross-functional coordination

• Coordinate with maintenance, engineering, and regulatory/QA to plan and execute work with minimal risk to nuclear, radiological, and industrial safety.
• Lead/participate in pre-job briefs, post-job reviews, and risk assessments; identify and remove roadblocks to schedule adherence.

Training, qualification & continuous improvement

• Complete initial and continuing training (including simulator sessions) and maintain qualifications; assist with training content using a systematic approach.
• Track and report progress against operations milestones; trend key performance indicators and support causal evaluations and corrective actions.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent plus technical training or an Associate's in engineering/industrial technology; OR relevant military (e.g., Navy Nuclear) or commercial/research reactor operations experience.
• 2+ years in control room or field operations within nuclear, power generation, or heavy industrial process environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency with procedure use/adherence, alarm response, system lineups, and clearance/lockout-tagout.
• Strong situational awareness, communication, and teamwork under time-critical conditions.
• Ability to work in required PPE and perform duties in an industrial environment.

Preferred

• Prior reactor operations experience at DOE or NRC-licensed facilities; NRC RO/SRO license or Navy Nuclear EWS/ERS/EOOW qualification a strong plus (not required).
• Commissioning/startup testing experience; familiarity with surveillance/operability testing and acceptance criteria.
• Knowledge of conduct-of-operations principles and human performance tools for high-hazard facilities; familiarity with systematic approach to training and simulator-based qualification.

Physical

• Stand/walk for extended periods (8-12-hour shifts), climb stairs/ladders, and lift/pull/push up to 40 lb with proper technique.
• Work in industrial environments (heat/cold/noise); wear required PPE, including respiratory protection when needed.